Navigating Grief: Coping with the Loss of a Parent

Losing a parent is one of the most profound and life-altering experiences a person can go through. No matter your age, this loss can shake the very foundation of your world, leaving you feeling lost, vulnerable, and deeply changed. Grief is a deeply personal process, and while everyone experiences it differently, there are universal truths about loss that can help us navigate this difficult journey.

The Weight of Loss

The death of a parent can trigger a complex mix of emotions—grief, relief (especially if they suffered), guilt, anger, or even numbness. These emotions can come in waves, catching you off guard. One moment, you may feel functional; the next, you're overwhelmed by a memory or an old voicemail you can’t bring yourself to delete.

There is no "right" way to grieve. Some people process their loss in solitude, while others find comfort in friends and family. Some find peace in rituals—lighting a candle, visiting a special place, or journaling—while others need distraction before fully facing their emotions.

The Evolving Nature of Grief

Immediately after the loss, grief often feels all-consuming. Over time, it changes—not necessarily becoming "lighter," but becoming something you learn to carry. The pain doesn’t vanish, but it integrates into your life to allow you to function again.

For many, one of the hardest things about grief is its unpredictability. Anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays can bring a fresh wave of sadness. Even years later, a familiar scent, a song, or an old family recipe can trigger emotions you thought you had processed.

Coping with Loss

There is no universal guide to grieving, but the following strategies can help:

Allow yourself to feel: Suppressing emotions can make grief harder to process. Give yourself permission to cry, to be angry, or to feel whatever comes up—without judgment.
Seek support: It’s okay to lean on loved ones, a therapist, or a support group. Talking about your loss can help you feel less alone.
Create new rituals: Honouring your parent in meaningful ways—whether through storytelling, continuing their traditions, or setting up a memorial space—can provide comfort.
Take care of yourself: Grief is physically exhausting. Make sure to rest, eat well, and engage in gentle movement to help manage the emotional burden.
Reach out for professional support: If your grief feels overwhelming, prolonged, or turns into depression, speaking with a counsellor can provide relief and guidance.

Finding Meaning After Loss

Grief changes us. It can shift our priorities, deepen our appreciation for life, and make us more compassionate toward others who are suffering. Many find comfort in carrying forward their parent’s values, lessons, or love in their own way, keeping their memory alive.

Losing a parent is a pain that never fully disappears, but with time, the intensity of the grief softens. You learn to live with it, carrying their love with you in new ways. Perhaps the greatest lesson grief teaches us is how deeply we love—and that love never truly fades.

If you are grieving the loss of a parent, know that you are not alone. It’s okay to take it one moment at a time, feel what you feel, and seek support when needed. Healing doesn’t mean forgetting—it means finding a way to move forward while keeping their memory alive in your heart.

At Lotus Life Counselling, we understand the depth of grief and how isolating it can feel. If you need a compassionate space to process your emotions, I am here for you. Lotus Life Counselling sessions are available via telehealth and in-person walk-and-talk therapy on the Sunshine Coast. Visit www.lotuslife.com.au to learn more about how I can support you on this journey with care and understanding.